Cumberland Farms is planning to relocate longtime Epping store

Cumberland Farms is looking to move from its location at the intersection of Route 125 and Main Street in Epping to a new spot next to W.S. Goodrich Inc. (JASON SCHREIBER/Union Leader Correspondent)

EPPING - Cumberland Farms has sat on a small piece of property sandwiched between Main Street and Route 125 for nearly four decades, but the popular convenience store and gas station is looking for a new home.

The company based in Framingham, Mass., plans to relocate the store to a new spot across the street on just under an acre of land next to W.S. Goodrich Inc., a brick, stone and masonry supplier at 99 Calef Highway (Route 125).

Goodrich owner Bob Good-rich said Cumberland Farms asked if he would be willing to subdivide his property, which he agreed to do.

The planning board approved the subdivision while the zoning board of adjustment also recently approved a variance to allow the gas station's relocation.

Goodrich said Cumberland Farms opened at the current location in the mid-1970s.

Local planning officials said the location at the corner of Main Street and Route 125 has posed challenges for trucks making deliveries and also customers trying to maneuver.

"It's a small, tight lot between two main roads. Getting the big trucks in there to fill the gas tanks is a bit of a challenge because they're half way out onto Main Street. It would be an improvement to move it across the street," Town Planner Brittany Howard said.

Goodrich said the new Cumberland Farms would be built on the newly subdivided 0.8-acre parcel of land on the north side of his business.

He said the store plans to share the driveway with his business.

Cumberland Farms must still submit its site plan to the planning board for review and approval.

"Cumberland Farms has been a longstanding and proud member of the Epping community for many years. We are at the very beginning stages of planning, so we'll reserve further comment until we get farther along with the process. We have a great working relationship with the town and will continue to work closely with the community," said Derek Beckwith, company spokesman.

It's not clear when construction may begin, but Howard said she believes Cumberland Farms wants to have final approval this spring.